GEMS: microsystems, nanotechnology, and environmental monitoring in the 21st century

Technological advancements in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanotechnology have inspired a revolutionary observing system known as global environmental MEMS sensors (GEMS). The GEMS concept features in situ, micron-scale airborne probes that can monitor all regions of the Earth with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. The probes will be designed to remain suspended in the atmosphere for hours to days and take measurements of pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind velocity as they are carried by atmospheric currents. With a modular sensor suite, probes could be used to measure acoustic, chemical, biological, nuclear, or other parameters of interest to defense agencies for intelligence gathering, battlefield situational awareness, and urban warfare monitoring. Ultimately, a GEMS "net" or "veil of protection" could blanket the globe with probes of different design, mass, and size tailored to measure a variety of parameters. Based on specific applications, the probes will be as small as 50-100 microns in one or more dimensions and lightweight enough to pose virtually no danger upon contact with persons or property. The size, mass, aspect ratio, component geometry, buoyancy control, and aerodynamic design will all determine how long probes remain airborne. Depending on the size and shape of the probes, aerodynamic design based on biomimetics could also reduce their terminal velocity. Many examples of such design exist in nature, including simple dandelion spokes and threads of balloon spiders, as well as sophisticated evolved forms like the auto-rotating samaras. Materials science will play a key role to limit probe mass and potentially make them biodegradable or bioinert, thereby minimizing risks to the environment when the probes settle out of the atmosphere. The intricacy found in nature suggests that nanobiotechnology should be explored as a possible means from which to create materials suitable for the probes. Organic cells featuring complex "machines" and systems may guide the design and functionality of micro and nanoscale devices and components. Recent and future advancements in materials science and nanotechnology could pave the way for the design and development of hybrid morphing probes that literally merge the life sciences with nonliving mechanical devices, thus creating "partially living probes". These hybrid probes would be artificially intelligent and could change shape and perform different functions using smart materials and structures. The presentation will focus on the key aspects of GEMS relating to nanobiotechnology and biologically-based design paradigms.